New Report Shows That Traffic Fatalities Soared in First Quarter

Traffic accidents are a fact of life, but a recent study has shown that fatal accidents have soared 13.5 percent in the first quarter of 2012.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released new data that showed an estimated 7, 630 people died in traffic collision on the first four months of 2012, up from the same period in 2011 when there were 6,720 fatalities. That represents the biggest surge since 1979.

“It’s too soon to speculate on the contributing factors or potential implications of any increase in deaths on our highways,” said a NHTSA spokesman.

Generally, the first four months of a year see a decrease in traffic accidents and fatalities, so this year’s unseasonably warm winter could have been a contributing factor. More people hit the streets when the weather is warm.

“While it is likely not the only factor, AAA agrees that warmer-than-average weather may have contributed to higher vehicle miles traveled,” according to Jacob Nelson director of safety advocacy and research with Automobile Association of America, “These data show there is more work to be done to improve driver safety such as limiting distractions, reducing impaired driving and promoting a culture of safety among motorists.

Safety on the roads is critical as diver error is the leading cause of traffic collisions. Negligent drivers cause millions of dollars in property damage and personal injuries. These reckless individuals can be held accountable for their actions by a skilled accident attorney.

Those who have been involved in a traffic accident or lost a loved one are faced with mounting medical bills, funeral costs. Many accident victims can be temporarily or permanently disabled, they will lose wages while they struggle to recover while the bills pile up. Accident lawyers work diligently for these victims in order to make certain they are free of financial worries.

When the injured person has an accident attorney on their side they have the assurance that they will get the compensation they deserve.